Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology - 00 edition

This is an exciting time to work in biotechnology. The Human Genome Project is generating fundamental genetic information at a breathtaking rate; basic research findings are being applied in medicine, agriculture, and the environment; and a variety of new biotechnology products are moving into production. Behind each of these accomplishments are teams of scientists and technicians whose everyday work makes such achievements possible.

For the past twelve years, we have been working with students who are beginning their careers as technicians and bench scientists in biotechnology laboratories. In order to best assist our students, we, and our colleagues elsewhere in the United States, have explored what entry level biotechnologists do at work and what abilities they need to perform this work. We have been impressed with the complexity and diversity of technical roles and responsibilities, and the importance of the skills that bench workers bring to their jobs. This book emerges partly from our experiences working with students and our explorations into the nature of the laboratory workplace*.

This book also results from our personal experiences in the laboratory. As graduate students we struggled to master the ''laboratory lore'' that was passed among ''post-docs'' and graduate students in a not always coherent chain. Some of what is in this book is the systematic introduction to laboratory lore that we wish we had received.

The result of our efforts is not a laboratory manual; this text contains few step-by-step procedures. Nor is it a book about molecular genetics, immunology, or cell culture--there are already many excellent specialized texts and manuals on these topics. This book rather is a textbook/reference manual on basic laboratory methods and the principles that underlie those methods. These basics are important to every biotechnologist, regardless of whether one is cloning DNA or purifying proteins, whether one is working in an academic setting or is employed in a company.

We intend this book to assist students preparing to become biotechnology laboratory professionals, those who already work in the laboratory, and biology students who are learning to operate effectively in the laboratory. Others who may also find this book helpful include high school teachers and their advanced students, and industry trainers. We have endeavored to make this text accessible to beginning college students with a limited science and math background. Some sections, such as the math review in Unit III, could be skipped or skimmed by more experienced readers. At the same time as we tried to make this book practical and accessible, we also endeavored to provide enough background theory so that readers will understand the methods they use and will be prepared to solve the unavoidable problems that arise in any laboratory.

Although we focus on the biotechnology laboratory, the majority of topics we cover are of importance to individuals working in any biology laboratory. A few topics, such as quality regulations and standards, are included because they are important for those working in biotechnology companies. As biotechnology companies mature, their focus shifts from research into commercial production. As this maturation occurs, scientists and technicians often find that they must add terms like ''GMP'', ''ISO 9000'', and ''quality systems'' to their technical vocabulary. This book therefore weaves a conversation about regulations and standards into many chapters.

We are aware that the basic methods in this book (such as how to mix a solution or weigh a sample) are less glamorous than learning how to manipulate DNA, or how to clone a sheep. However, we also know that, in practice, the most sophisticated and remarkable accomplishments of biotechnology are possible only when the most basic laboratory work is done properly.

*The results of some of these discussions about the biotechnology workplace are summarized in the National Voluntary Skill Standards Documents in Agricultural Biotechnology and the Biosciences. (FFA, ''National Voluntary Occupational Skill Standards: Agricultural Biotechnology Technician,'' National FFA Foundation, Madison, WI, 1994 and ''Gateway to the Future, Skill Standards for the Bioscience Industry,'' Education Development Center, Newton, MA, Inc., 1995.)

Seidman, Lisa : Madison Area Technical College

Lisa Seidman received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin and has taught for over twelve years in the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Program at Madison Area Technical College, Madison, Wisconsin.
The authors welcome comments and feedback from readers. You can e-mail Cynthia Moore at cjmoor1@ilstu.edu.

Moore, Cynthia : Illinois State University

Cynthia Moore received her doctoral degree from Temple University School of Medicine and has a career both in research and as a science educator. She is currently a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.
The authors welcome comments and feedback from readers. You can e-mailLisa Seidman at lseidman@madison.tec.wi.us

"The authors have done an outstanding job of capturing the essential skills and applied theories of mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry that are pertinent to the training needs of workers in biotechnology. The information contained in these chapters represent a wealth of basic, practical knowledge that previously was not readily available in print, but more likely was acquired 'on the job"

-- Dr. Gail Baughman, MiraCosta College

"The texts we have found for our biotechnology theory course are either too deep (molecular biology) or too shall (gee whiz). It is ironic that all three of the internships I have done in biotech companies have asked for the kinds of skills found in this text, but no other text seems to be available like it. I think that the book will be a best seller."

-- Bill Thieman, Ventura College

"The use of many worked out examples make this test especially strong as a reference for the technician."

-- David B. Shaw, Madison Area Technical College

Submitted By Publisher, January, 2003

I. INTRODUCTION TO THE BIOTECHNOLOGY WORKPLACE.

II. PRODUCT QUALITY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY.

III. MATH IN THE BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY: AN OVERVIEW.

IV. DATA IN THE LABORATORY.

V. LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS.

VI. LABORATORY SOLUTIONS.

VII. BASIC SEPARATION METHODS.

VIII. SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY.

IX. COMPUTERS IN THE LABORATORY.